Critter Corner: Halloween – It's Not Just for Humans

Halloween, once a holiday for the 12 and under set, is making strides to become the most popular holiday overall. These strides are not just being made by two-footed pirates, ghouls, zombies or cheerleaders; they include four-footed participants as well.

Finding the right costume is part of the fun. If you are considering a store-bought costume take you pet along to most pet shop retailers like PetSmart or PetCo. Try the costumes on for size and wear-ability factors. Consider if you’ll be going for a hike or just around the judge's circle. 

If you are going for the gold, and not just a cute costume, look at your pets personality, or consider a group costume. Batman needs a Robin, the Justice League can accommodate several people and their pups, and of course Alice needs her March Hare.

It doesn’t matter if you make or buy a costume for your pet, go out and have some fun. Dogs, cats, ferrets and just about everyone in your extended family is welcome. Check out the activities below. There is also a national costume photo contest at PetSmart. Start shooting your photos now, and check back next week for tips on how to catch your pet's "best side."

Send us your best shots of pets in costume for an upcoming Pets from Hillcrest column.

Check out these activities:
On the east side PetSmart in Golden Gate is having a pet program and costume contest from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. Their nationwide photo contest runs through Oct. 24. They also have a huge selection of costumes and Halloween-themed treats.

PetCo in Beachwood is holding its contest at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The west side also has many events, but this one in particular might be worth a drive. The Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. What makes this parade special is their bid to break the Guinness World Record for the most dogs in costume parade. Don't let the parade pass you by.